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HB 5939

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REPEAL OF THE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE AND REQUIRING LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL FOR ANY FUTURE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Carpino and 1 co-sponsor

Repeals Connecticut's utility surcharge funding energy efficiency and renewables; requires future similar charges to get legislative approval instead of regulatory implementation.

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Bill Summary · HB 5939

Legislative bill overview

HB 5939 would repeal Connecticut's Combined Public Benefits Charge (CPBC), a surcharge added to utility bills that funds energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development, and low-income assistance. The bill also requires any future combined public benefits charge to receive explicit legislative approval rather than being implemented through regulatory mechanisms.

Why is this important

The CPBC currently generates tens of millions of dollars annually for Connecticut's energy and environmental programs. Repealing it would eliminate dedicated funding for these initiatives unless the state legislature allocates alternative funds, potentially affecting energy efficiency investments, renewable energy deployment, and bill assistance for low-income households. The requirement for legislative approval for future charges shifts authority from regulatory agencies to elected representatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding gap: Repealing the CPBC without identifying replacement funding could significantly reduce money available for energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy projects, and ratepayer assistance programs that help vulnerable populations manage utility costs.
  • Rate impact and equity: While removing the CPBC would modestly lower utility bills for most customers, it may disproportionately affect low-income households who rely on bill assistance programs currently funded through the charge.
  • Renewable energy and climate goals: Connecticut has committed to specific clean energy targets; eliminating dedicated CPBC funding could slow progress toward these objectives and increase reliance on general revenue appropriations that face competing budget priorities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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